Concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of certain recently manufactured Airbus and Boeing jets, as a supplier for the plane makers has revealed that some titanium components were sold with fake documentation verifying their authenticity.
Spirit AeroSystems and FAA Probe Falsified Aircraft Documents
Spirit AeroSystems, a major supplier of Boeing fuselages and wings and Airbus wings, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the falsified documents.
An investigation has been launched following the discovery of small holes in the material due to corrosion, as reported by a parts supplier.
The FAA has released a statement regarding an ongoing investigation into the extent of the issue and the potential safety implications for aircraft manufactured with these parts, The New York Times reported.
The exact number of planes with parts made from the questionable material remains uncertain. Both Boeing and Airbus have chosen not to disclose the number of planes in operation that contain parts made from titanium whose origins are not documented.
Spirit AeroSystems, a manufacturer of fuselages for Boeing planes and wings for Airbus jets, has recently come forward regarding the falsified documents.
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Concerns Rise Over Titanium Supply Chain for Boeing, Airbus
According to two individuals familiar with the situation, titanium was sourced from a supplier in China in 2019.
It was then sold to multiple companies that manufacture components utilized by Spirit Aerosystems in their work for Boeing and Airbus.
According to Local10, Titanium International Group, an Italian company, observed a discrepancy in the appearance of the material compared to their previous supplies.
They also discovered that the accompanying paperwork for the titanium appeared to be fake. A general manager informed the newspaper that the company fully cooperates with authorities and cannot disclose further details.
The paperwork, a statement of conformity, provides detailed information about the part or material, including its manufacturing process and origin.
This design aims to guarantee that the parts meet the quality standards set by the FAA.
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